Confrontations

[dc_knight]

Follows thisAfter leaving Ziva to clean up Mike's mess of Svetlana, Gibbs takes off to Albuquerque at sonic boom speeds. He careens into the driveway and only then slows his pace. US Marshals dressed as stable hands glance his way, but they knew he was coming so they don't stop him when he gets out of the car, races past the horses and kids, and

Comments

[on_jennys_terms]

It takes Jen a while to pull herself from the couch and get to the door. Whoever it is better have a damn good reason for bothering her. And if it's one of those teenagers, she's just going to slam the door in her face. Even if the building is on fire. Gibbs is the last person she expects, but at the same time, she isn't really surprised. She should have figured he'd be the only one ballsy enough and stupid enough. She doesn't say anything, just looks at him expectantly. Clearly he wants something.

[on_jennys_terms]

"I know, Jethro," she answers easily. Everything in this job has the potential to come under investigation and she'd be a fool to think otherwise.

[dc_knight]

He nods at her once, giving her that. She's not a stupid woman and although it was his job to tell her that Vance's involvement was going to reopen all the old wounds, she knew it already.

"Is there anything about what happened with Svetlana that you haven't told me? Anything that isn't in the files? Any early connection to Vance that no one but you knew about?" His tone tells her everything. Like it or not, he's her best friend right now. He is the ally she needs because he's the only one who isn't ambitious enough to want her job. He'll defend her and cover for her. But he needs to know everything.

[on_jennys_terms]

She shakes her head, "No." Yes, there is something that isn't in any of the files. No, she's not going to tell him. And he won't find out unless Vance posthumously tells him. She's very aware that Vance had been looking at her medical records; she's just not sure how much and what he saw. Or if he wrote any of it down.

"I had no idea they were connected until he showed up. I know we said things to each other, but I can't remember what. I don't even know if it was anything important." This part of her answer is at least honest. "He blindsided me."

[dc_knight]

Gibbs looks at her for a long moment, trying to determine what, if anything, she's holding back. But given the severity of this, he's going to give her the benefit of the doubt because if she is holding anything back that matters, he will walk away and he knows she knows it.

"What did he say to you, if anything, in the couple of weeks leading up to my moving out to the San Diego office?" Gibbs has his own notes, his own files. But he needs to know what Jen knows.

[on_jennys_terms]

"Nothing more than vague questions here and there. That's why I sent you out there, to find out what he really knew." To her credit, she's being almost completely honest with him. They're still skirting that line, but she's taking it in stride.

[dc_knight]

Gibbs gives her his "confirmation" nod, the one that established he knew it already but wanted to make sure he had his bases covered. The Oshimida reference explains all he needs to know about Will's funeral.

He's reached the point where he can be done. For now. "It's safe for you to go back to DC, Jen. But get things in order. They're coming for you."

[on_jennys_terms]

"I know, Jethro. I've been waiting for them." She's ready and waiting for them. It's him she's worried about.

[dc_knight]

He nods. "I've got my files ready to go. Everything we've pulled for this and past investigations." The implication is clear. He's got her back. He always has. Even with some of the things he's learned about The Frog and other cases.

[on_jennys_terms]

"I wouldn't expect any less of you."

[dc_knight]

He gives her another look. "I'll be back and forth between DC and San Diego during this." It's as much a warning as it is a reminder.

[on_jennys_terms]

With one exception, there's nothing she needs to keep from him. Classified files will be redacted or locked up. She knows everything he'll be able or unable to get into. "Of course."

[dc_knight]

He nods. There is a part of him that is dreading the next few weeks. But it will settle. Jenny will find a way to make it work to her advantage. She always does. So he nods, sensing he has been dismissed. "I'm here in Albuquerque tonight. I will help set up your transfer back for in the next couple of days."

[on_jennys_terms]

"Thank you, Jethro." Finally, she's getting out of this hellhole and not a moment too soon. Before someone else dies.

[dc_knight]

Again a nod, his "you are welcome" and then he turns for the door. "I'll see you soon." It's a tad more personal than the rest of the conversation, but still professional. He's not an idiot. Personal will shut her down.

[on_jennys_terms]

She nods in return and stays where she is on the couch. She'd show him out, as is polite, but she's really not interested in standing. It's a small moment of weakness she's allowing him to see.